The Road Is Good

How a Mother's Strength Became a Daughter's Purpose

By: Uzo Aduba

Narrated by: Uzo Aduba

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

A powerful, timely memoir of Black immigrant identity, the story of an unforgettable matriarch, and a unique coming-of-age story by Nigerian American actress Uzo Aduba.

The actress Uzo Aduba came of age grappling with a master juggling act: as one of few Black families in their white Massachusetts suburb, she and her siblings were the unexpected presence in whatever school room or sports team they joined. But Aduba was also rooted by a fierce and nonnegotiable sense of belonging and extraordinary worth that stemmed from her mother’s powerful vision for her children, and their connection to generations of family in Nigeria. The alchemy of being out of place yet driven by fearless conviction powered Aduba to success.

The Road Is Good is more than the journey of a young woman determined to survive young adulthood—and to create a workable identity for herself. It is the story of an incredible mother and a testament to matriarchal power. When Aduba’s mother falls ill, the origin of her own power crystallizes and Aduba leaps into a caretaker role, uniquely prepared by the history and tools her mother passed along to become steward of her ancestoral legacy.

Deeply mining her family history—gripping anecdotes her mother, aunts, and uncles shared in passing at family celebrations and her own discoveries through countless auditions in New York and her travels to Nigeria—Aduba pieces together a life story imbued with guiding lessons that are both personal and profoundly universal.

©2024 Uzo Aduba (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"With wit, insight, and heart, Aduba constructs a captivating self-portrait that doubles as an ode to her remarkable mother. In this powerful autobiography, even readers unfamiliar with Aduba’s acting work will be spellbound."
—Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

"This modest, thoughtful memoir pays less attention to [Aduba’s] successes than to her family, cultural heritage, Christian faith, and particularly her strong relationship with her mother. Reflective and infused with gratitude, the memoir is as much about the conflicts and comforts of growing up Nigerian-American as about those of becoming a working actor."
—Booklist

"Poignant and well-written, this memoir not only celebrates the achievements and talents of its author but also grounds readers in the customs of Nigeria. It is a must-have for fans of Aduba or Orange Is the New Black and for those wanting to read about the African diaspora."
—Starred Review, Library Journal

Journey of love and success

I have always respected and enjoyed Uzo Aduba as an entertainer. Now, I add to that a lot of respect for Uzo as a human being. Many thanks to her for sharing her journey. I found it interesting and inspiring.

Family and Culture

The author’s narration, especially with the Nigerian accents, is simply outstanding. Uzo’s intensity as an actor is equaled by her intensity as a storyteller who conveys the universal experience of an immigrant family’s devotion to its own culture and to accepting and extending the promise of living in America.

A daughter’s heartfelt journey with her mother’s guidance!

I loved her details of all family members characters and situations. Her account of the most intimate and happy events in her life!

A daughter’s love

Well written and paced, this is a beautiful memoir of Aduba’s life, Nigerian and Nigerian American family, career—and her glorious, strong, proud and kind mother. This work quietly expresses the strength of character Aduba clearly treasures as her mother’s greatest gift.

Love!!!!

A must read!. Uzo is truly a gem, and she has an uncanny magical way of sharing her story.

A beautiful tribute

It was a story I didn’t know I would love so much. The tribute to Uzo’s mother and her Ebo heritage so beautifully written and told in her own voice.

Her genuine soul

Love her, period. Enjoyed learning about her childhood and family. Wish I had a Mother like hers.

Uzo Aduba is fabulous

Great point of view narrative with amazing anecdotes. Very inspirational and uplifting. Thank you to the author.

The story of migrant struggles navigating the path to an American dream

Where do I begin? Throughout this book I have been filled with so many emotions, happy, sad, hopeful. As a fellow immigrant from Jamaica I could easily relate to Uzo's family stories of triumph and struggles. I am so incredibly happy and proud that she was able to persevere and her mom was able to witness it. On this day 9.12.24 I have completed her book, and would also love to say Happy Wedding Anniversary to Uzo and Robert. May God continue to bless you both.

Wonderful Read

I really enjoyed her book….I don’t want to give any details, as not to spoil the read for all readers…I finished the book in two days, I truly enjoyed it💜.